Solar System Exploration - NASA Science (original) (raw)
Solar System Overview
The solar system has one star, eight planets, five officially named dwarf planets, hundreds of moons, thousands of comets, and more than a million asteroids.
Our solar system is located in the Milky Way, a barred spiral galaxy with two major arms, and two minor arms. Our Sun is in a small, partial arm of the Milky Way called the Orion Arm, or Orion Spur, between the Sagittarius and Perseus arms. Our solar system orbits the center of the galaxy at about 515,000 mph (828,000 kph). It takes about 230 million years to complete one orbit around the galactic center.
We call it the solar system because it is made up of our star, the Sun, and everything bound to it by gravity.
Get the latest count
Moons, asteroids, and comets
For the most up to date count of moons, asteroids, and comets in our solar system, please visit NASA/JPL's Solar System Dynamics website.
exploring jupiter's ocean world
Launching Soon: Europa Clipper
NASA's Europa Clipper is launching Oct. 10, 2024, on the first mission to conduct a detailed science investigation of Jupiter's moon Europa.
Learn More About Europa Clipper
Europa clipper mission
#RunwayToJupiter Style Challenge
On October 10, NASA is launching Europa Clipper to explore Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. Express your space style! Show off your outfits, makeup looks, nail art, and other creative expressions inspired by Jupiter's swirls, Europa's icy glam, and the exploration of the planets. Share your look with the hashtag #RunwayToJupiter for a chance to be featured on NASA’s website and social media channels.
10 THINGS about our solar system
Our solar system has eight planets, and five dwarf planets.
The four giant planets – and at least one asteroid – have rings.
More than 300 robotic spacecraft have left Earth's orbit, and 24 U.S. astronauts have traveled to the Moon.
Europa Clipper
NASA's Europa Clipper is launching Oct. 10, 2024, on the first mission to conduct a detailed science investigation of Jupiter's moon Europa.
NEO Surveyor
Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor is the first space telescope specifically designed to hunt asteroids and comets that may be potential hazards to Earth.
VERITAS
VERITAS, and another mission called DAVINCI, will be the first NASA spacecraft to explore Venus since the 1990s.
Go Beyond Our Solar System
NASA, Global Astronomers Await Rare Nova Explosion
Around the world this summer, professional and amateur astronomers alike will be fixed on one small constellation deep in the…
